Cowboys coach Jason Garrett was very complimentary of rookie safety Ahmad Dixon’s play in the 27-7 preseason-opening loss to the San Diego Chargers. Garrett couldn’t say enough good things about Dixon’s physical play and tackling, pointing out that it was something he wanted the entire team to emulate.

Not to be out done, defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli gushed even more about the seventh-round pick from Baylor when it was his turn to talk after the practice Saturday

“He really tackled,” Marinelli said. “He was extremely physical. He was all over the field. He hustled and went for strips. Everything we wanted he attempted to do.”

Like Garrett, Marinelli said Dixon played so well that he has earned some snaps with the first team on defense.

“Oh, yeah,” Marinelli said.

Ironically, Dixon had been an afterthought for much of camp, which is more about technique and getting the right alignment than full-speed football. He got a lot of action against the Chargers because of injuries to safeties Jakar Hamilton and Matt Johnson.

And he made the most of it with a big impression.

“It was the first time out where were really live and could really go after it,” Marinelli said. “I think that is a big part of his game. He is very very physical and he covered some ground now. There is something about competitive speed and he carries his pads very well. He put out some solid tape.”